It’s been a little while since I did a family update on mom and dad and there have been some new developments in the last week, so I wanted to let you all know how they are doing. Mom and dad have been at Dogwood Forest assisted living for 8 months now and it’s really gone so well.
The weather has been so nice and when we visit, we often go on the patio or porches and sit. It’s a good way to catch up and get outside. This is mom’s balcony off her apartment.
Dad is still in memory care and will stay there. His dementia is pretty stable at the moment, but he needs all the extra care they give him in memory care and it has let mom be able to take care of herself and not have to worry about him too. That’s been a blessing for her!
Mom has made a lot of friends and they play games, in particular Rumikub in the game room on her floor. Making friends has been so good for her and I know she is a blessing to them, because they tell me that.
Dad has a nice patio area outside memory care and we go out there with him too and he will make his way outside on nice days too.
Recently, Bobbie and Lynn Davis stopped by to see mom and dad. Lynn (the husband) is a fantastic singer and they raised their family in my dad’s church many years ago, so it is always nice to see them. Lynn brought his music and sat in the lobby and sang gospel music and you should have seen the crowd that gathered. He’s going to come back and sing again and I know it blessed the residents. Mom and dad enjoyed it so much too.
They had a mother/daughter dinner recently and I joined mom for that. It was a nice time too and very thoughtful of the facility to do these things for the residents.
We often end up on the balcony to visit. Conversations with dad are hard since he lives in the moment. He talks some about the past, but most of our conversations are about the weather, food and just normal small things. He seems to be very content for the most part and has stopped talking about home and his cars/truck, which is good. We are glad he’s not fixated on those things anymore. He just lives in the day to day and those 3 meals a day are the most important things in his life at the moment. And that’s ok!
Unfortunately, after having a wonderful 8 months in assisted living, mom took a fall last week and broke her shoulder. Mom was helping another lady in a wheelchair hold open the elevator door so she could get out and her walker was behind her. When she turned around to get it, she fell down and landed on her left shoulder. She doesn’t know exactly what made her fall, she just went down. At her age, this is so common and can be hazardous for sure.
We’ve been to urgent care and then to an orthopedic facility and her xrays indicated that it’s a fracture break and will just have to heal up. He said she should heal up pretty well in 6 to 8 weeks and then will get physical therapy to help with her arm mobility. We would appreciate your prayers for a speedy recovery for her. It’s going to be hard for her, she’s staying in her room for now and we have extra levels of care for her for the next few months. We are hopeful for a good recovery for her.
That’s what is going on and I knew you all would want to know. Things have gone so well for both of them and then this mishap happened. But we are thankful they are in a good place and well taken care of. Thank you for all your concern for my parents.
Gina says
Thank you. I do check in for updates. ❤️
Molly says
They look really good!! I am sorry about your Mom’s fall and certainly will be praying for a quick recovery! Glad they seem so happy there. That is truly a blessing and it seems like a very nice facility.
Thelma Tone says
It’s great to hear how your parents are doing. I’m sorry about your Moms fall. I hope she is recovering. They are blessed to have you as their daughter.
Esther says
Thank you on the updates of your parents. The caring they are receiving is a testament to you and your caring.
Shirley says
So nice that you found a good place for them to live out their remaining years. They do look happy! Very sorry your mom got hurt. I hate hearing when anyone elderly has issues like that. I will help pray for a quick recovery and hope the physical therapy is easy for her.
Deborah Deaton says
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s accident. It can happen so quickly. They both look good. Having somewhere that is nice and gives you peace and security is so much better than worrying about them alone at their home. I will be praying for them! What a beautiful Godly couple.
Becky in 'Bama says
Enjoy reading an update about your parents. Your dad looks healthy, and his face has filled out – so I know the food is agreeing with him. 🙂 You know, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Sadly, yes, falling injuries are the most worrisome in this age group, but looks like your mom is receiving excellent attention. You are so fortunate to still have your parents. Have a wonderful summer!
Jane H. says
Such good news about how your dad is doing! And at least your mom didn’t break a hip. This is a setback but with your mom’s good attitude, she’ll do fine. Always love the updates!
Rebecca McCabe says
Awww Rhoda, I’m sorry to hear about your Mom’s fall. With her attitude I’m sure she’ll recover and continue to be a blessing to the other residents. Also, I’m so happy for all of you that your dear Dad has settled in so nicely. Our parents are so fragile at that age and all we can do is our very best for them. You are doing that! Blessings to you and all your family and especially on your Mom for a speedy recovery.❤️❤️❤️❤️
Jeanie Nichols says
Thanks for the update on your parents. Praying your mother has a quick recovery.
Nancy says
I’m so sorry about your Mom. I’m a retired nurse and elevator doors are so aggravating. There really should be another button that’s readily available to stay open longer than usual. Especially in a facility like this. I can’t tell you how many times I have fought with elevator doors trying to transport a person in a wheelchair. And they shut with too much force. I do hope she heals well, shoulder injuries are so painful.
Wanda says
Praying your mom’s injury will heal soon. Take care and God bless y’all. 😀❤️
Bamagirl says
I haven’t been following you for some time, but saw that you were part of the Spring House tour this week, so I read the post and was so sorry to hear that your folks had to move into Assisted Living. And I am heartbroken about your dad having to be separated from your mom. I pray that this situation gets better for everyone involved. I’m also praying that your mom heals quickly.
Rhoda says
Thank you, it definitely gets harder when they hit 90’s. It was sad to have to move them, but it was the best thing for both and they have really done well. With dementia, it gets worse instead of better, so memory care is the best place to be to get the daily care that he really needs. Thanks for stopping by!